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When we hear of malnutrition or undernutrition, famine and food insecurities – most prevalent in the developing world and perhaps among the poorest in more advanced societies – come to mind. Less attention is paid to the fact that lack of important nutrients in fast food and snacks, especially if they are the main or sole dietary source, can lead to symptoms similar to actual hunger. The consequences are just as devastating, even when they are not as obvious at first sight.

The perception that healthier foods like fruits and vegetables are less palatable than, let’s say, comfort food, is widespread. Research has long shown how fat, salt and sugar trigger pleasure responses in the human brain and add to the enjoyment of eating. Eliminating or reducing these ingredients obviously will send out signals that something is amiss.

“Let food be your medicine” is a well-known quotation by Hippocrates, a physician and philosopher who lived in ancient Greece and is commonly considered the forefather of modern medical practice. But while the evidence supporting the benefits of wholesome nutrition is overwhelming, there is still not enough research being done to back it up as a primary mode in fighting disease and preventing illness. In other words, an entire segment of potential treatment options is being ignored. Thankfully, there are signs that things are finally changing.

One of the most misleading messages given by many commercial weight loss plans is that you don’t have to make serious changes to your existing eating and lifestyle patterns. No need to starve yourself, or even feel a little bit hungry. No need to forego your favorite dishes, not even pizza or sugary desserts. No need to exercise if you don’t want to. All of this, of course, is absolute nonsense. The truth is that if you intend to lose weight, you have to reduce your calorie intake and burn more off through physical activity.

Feeling invincible at a young age and believing that you can get away with a certain amount of abuse without suffering immediate consequences can be a miscalculation. The truth is that instead of neglecting your health needs because you are too busy or are having too much fun, you should lay the foundation for a long, healthy, and fulfilling life while you are still in your prime.

Old age is no laughing matter. Inevitably, it comes with decline and decay, perhaps disability and loss. On the other hand, there are also opportunities to enjoy one’s later years when they are no longer occupied with goals and ambitions, tasks and duties, and the good opinion of others.

There is nothing magic about eating right, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, or managing stress. We all know that those are crucial elements of a health-promoting lifestyle. So why are so many of us seemingly unable to make them a reality? As some experts suggest, it may all be a matter of thinking styles, of getting into the right mindset.